What works for small business in WNC?

At MountainXpress, we're getting ready for our Big Small Business Issue, which is slated for April 14 — and we want your help. Send us your tips and stories of what works to keep a small business surviving and thriving in Western North Carolina during tough economic times.

What lessons, straight from the source, should small-business owners utilize to stay in the black — or start rolling in the green? Have you made any big changes to your business strategy or identified an as-yet untapped market? Have you jumped into the social-networking scene to build a community of customers or banded together with other local businesses to stay strong? Or do you know someone who has?

The past couple of years have been hard on everyone's bottom line, but last year, Forbes magazine named Asheville no. 6 in its Best Places for Business and Careers. What have we got that makes small businesses work?

And even if your business hasn't survived the recession, we want to hear your cautionary tales or lessons learned. Maybe the next entrepreneur can learn from your experience.Pleasesend your tips to business@mountainx.com, or call reporter Brian Postelle at 251-1333, ext. 153.